Point Breeze Credit Union inspires next generation of leaders and enhances financial literacy by awarding scholarships to 20 local students

HUNT VALLEY, MD (July 13, 2021) — Point Breeze Credit Union recently awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 20 local high school students as part of its 15th Annual Scholarship Program.

The students, each of whom received a scholarship of $1,500, competed for the scholarship through an application process that requested details about the students’ involvement in school activities and their community, a letter of acceptance from the college or trade school of their choice, a personal reference, and an academic reference.

In addition to the application, students were required to submit two essays – one in which they described their goals and how their education would help them achieve those goals, and a second in which they discussed strengths and weaknesses in their financial literacy skills and how Point Breeze Credit Union could help them overcome their weaknesses.

“We are proud to support the communities we serve each year by distributing scholarships to our youngest members as they work towards achieving their educational and career goals,” said Donald D. Beynon, Jr., member of the Point Breeze Credit Union Board of Directors and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. “The application process emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and education, both of which are primary focal points for our organization.”

“We congratulate all of our members celebrating graduations this year and wish them success as they embark on the next phase of their academic careers,” Beynon added.

Recipients of Point Breeze Credit Union’s 15th Annual Scholarship Awards are:

• Gavin Peduzzi, a graduate of Oakdale High School who plans to attend Miami University – Ohio;
• Carina Hernandez-Soto, a graduate of Randallstown High School who plans to attend Towson University;
• Katherine Ausmus, a graduate of Bel Air High School who plans to attend Susquehanna University;
• Alexandra Rupkalvis, a graduate of South Brunswick High School who plans to attend University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill;
• Maya Filipovitz, a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute who plans to attend University of Maryland – College Park;
• Gabrielle Jackson, a graduate of Atholton High School who plans to attend Howard University;
• Lauren Blum, a graduate of Fallston High School who plans to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute;
• Eric Lang, a graduate of Fallston High School who plans to attend Virginia Tech;
• Mesomachi Udenta, a graduate of St. Timothy’s School who plans to attend Howard University;
• Sophie LeClaire, a graduate of Mount Hebron High School who plans to attend Meredith College;
• Kiara Burke, a graduate of Eastern Technical High School who plans to attend Stevenson University;
• Jillian Thomas, a graduate of Franklin High School who plans to attend Elon University;
• Kyler Martin-Yeboah, a graduate of Dulaney High School who plans to attend Louisiana State University;
• Margaret Possidente, homeschooled, who plans to attend Minerva Schools at KGI;
• Erin Reynolds, a graduate of Bel Air High School who plans to attend University of Mary Washington;
• Jacob MacGregor, a graduate of Manchester Valley High School who plans to attend University of Maryland – College Park;
• Connor Skelton, a graduate of South Carroll High School who plans to attend Milwaukee School of Engineering;
• Mackenzie Lookingland, a graduate of Sparrows Point High School who plans to attend Notre Dame of Maryland University;
• Julie Zackarko, a graduate of Perry Hall High School who plans to attend University of Maryland – College Park; and
• Kayla Iwanowski, a graduate of Patterson Mill High School who plans to attend Loyola University of Maryland.

To be eligible for the scholarship awards, students must be graduating from high school in the current calendar year and owners, joint owners, or named on a custodial account in good standing with Point Breeze Credit Union.